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Reliable production of microalgae biomass using a novel microalgae platform

  • 5th Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology
  • Published:
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Abstract

A microalgae platform, consisting of four photobioreactor units incorporating a novel biomimetic design, has been installed at the Biosolar Center in Koethen, Germany. The novel photobioreactor consists of a flexible, tubular double-wall hose system (silicone based) with integrated temperature control in a closed cycle. The modular-arranged platform system (total cultivation volume 1700 L) has been designed for stable long-term cultivation of microalgae biomass in outdoor use. Cultures with Scenedesmus and Chlorella species have been grown outdoors at their optimal growth temperature (avg. 26 °C) for 145 days during spring and summer and were tested successfully for the stable production of microalgae (avg. biomass productivity 0.3 g L−1 day−1 (max. 0.75 g L−1 day−1)) with an overall photosynthetic conversion efficiency of 7.2 % based on photosynthetically active radiation. The average calorific value of the produced biomass is 23.25 MJ kg−1 with defined product quality (content relating to biomass dry weight: proteins 0.40 g g−1, lipophilic compounds 0.38 g g−1 and total carotenoids 11 mg g−1). This outdoor concept is continuously adjustable to maintain an optimal environment for microalgae cultures (in particular light entry, temperature control and limiting of oxygen levels).

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Acknowledgments

This R&D work of the research group of Prof. Dr. C. Griehl and GICON® is funded by the European Union and the German Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Group Algae Biotechnology, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Bernburger Str. 55, 06366, Koethen, Germany

    Stefan Matthes & Carola Griehl

  2. GICON® GmbH, Greppiner Str. 6, 06766, Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany

    Martin Matschke, Fritz Cotta & Jochen Grossmann

Authors
  1. Stefan Matthes
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  2. Martin Matschke
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  3. Fritz Cotta
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  4. Jochen Grossmann
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  5. Carola Griehl
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Correspondence to Carola Griehl.

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Matthes, S., Matschke, M., Cotta, F. et al. Reliable production of microalgae biomass using a novel microalgae platform. J Appl Phycol 27, 1755–1762 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-014-0502-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-014-0502-4

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